How to Draw Anime Characters Step By Step
Drawing anime characters isn’t as hard as it sounds. With just a few simple tools, you can create original and expressive drawings in no time. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or just want to doodle, cartoonish characters are an accessible way to get creative. Start by mastering the basics, then practice, practice, practice – you’ll soon be an anime all-star!
Before you throw down your pencil, there are a few things to consider for your sketches. The most important? Proportions. Anime characters tend to have a very specific facial and body structure. It doesn’t mean your art needs to be exact, but having a reference to work from will make all the difference. With that in mind, let’s dive into the basics.
First and foremost, start with a simple stick figure. Think about what your character’s basic proportions and silhouette should look like- for example, if you’re going for a tall, skinny kind of look Vs. a short and stubby one. Get familiar with the building blocks of your anime style and use the stick figure to map out the anatomies.
Now, let’s focus on the head. Start by drawing a vertical line, then roughly sketch the shape of the face; always being mindful of the eyes. (This is truly the heart of the character.). All anime characters have large, expressive eyes, so they should always be the focus. Keep in mind: There’s no one-size-fits-all template – get creative! After you’ve sketched out the eyes, draw in the eyebrows, which are often curved, then the nose and mouth. Last but not least, drop in the ears and hair – these will vary drastically depending on your character.
Next, tackling the torso. Start off with the ribcage and neck if your character is facing forward; if not, skip ‘em for now. The neck and chest will naturally shift depending on the pose, so look for an angle that reflects the mood of your character. Then add in the waist, arms, and hands. Don’t forget to pay attention to the muscles, they’re essential! But don’t stress over exact details – the most important part of your character’s anatomy is the outline.
The next step is the legs: remember those rudimentary proportions we talked about? They’re still in effect. When it comes to anime, there are a few tried-and-true characteristics: knees and ankles should be much bigger than the thighs and calves, for example. This can be a tricky step – the legs can make or break your character’s structure – but with a little practice, you’ll have them down in no time.
Last but not least, you can sketch in some basic clothing. It could be something simple like a shirt, dress, or jacket – use your imagination! Keep in mind: Clothing will often affect the way a character looks, so make sure to pick something that reflects your character’s personality. After a few simple adjustments and color control, you’ll be left with your very own drawing – congrats! Drive that creative spirit and don’t be afraid to experiment.
Now you know how to draw anime characters! Absolutely no one has to be an expert on day one, so don’t be afraid to mess up. Keep your sketches light and loose, then add some details as you go. Before you know it, your anime drawings will be absolutely perfect. Go get to it!
As you draw, you’ll also start noticing other details and tropes you can explore. Hair often plays a huge role in the aesthetics of a drawing: from the length to the color, you can bring your character to life with a unique style. Make sure to pay attention to the direction of the strands, and carefully detail any facial accessories like hats or masks. When it comes to manga and anime, playfulness is key; don’t be afraid to get creative.
If you want to add a little depth, don’t forget shading — this can give your sketches true dimension. Curved lines, dots, and cross-hatching are very popular techniques. They’re also essential tools to add movement, personality and facial expressions to your drawings. Don’t be afraid to try different techniques, outlining works wonders, too!
Your drawings will start to come alive when it comes to the finer details. With your characters finished, it’s all about small touches. Add in clothes, furniture, or environment details to turn your sketches into artwork. Colors! Colors, Colors, Colors! Adding color highlights the details and will truly bring your characters to life. So don’t forget to have some fun and show off your creativity, the design is up to you.
Just like anything else, anime drawing is a skill and the more you practice, the better you’ll become. Make sure to take your time and explore different designs. After all, no two characters will ever be the same – so just roll with it and get creative!
